Interoffice Memorandum
DATE: July 5, 2024
TO: Carrie Mathes, CFCM, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, C.P.M., Manager II, Procurement Division
FROM: Carrie Mathes, CFCM, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, C.P.M., Manager II, Procurement Division
CONTACT: Angela Chestang, Manager II, Citizens’ Commission for Children Division
PHONE: 407-836-6541
SUBJECT: Approval of Contract Y25-2014, Provision of Community Services and Facility Use
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Approval of Contract Y25-2014, Provision of Community Services and Facility Use, with Let Your Voice be Heard, Inc., in the total contract award amount of $150,000 for a three-year term. ([Community and Family Services Department Citizens’ Commission for Children Division] Procurement Division)
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PROCUREMENT:
This contract will provide funds for Credible Messenger - Crisis Response Programming which will serve as a violence interrupter by responding to shooting scenes, homes, and community locations to mediate active conflicts and reduce retaliation and other modes of violence from occurring. The Credible Messenger will also engage with victims, families, and/or community members to offer support and resources needed to assist with trauma and recovery following an event of violence. The performance period is upon contract execution through September 30, 2027.
FUNDING:
Funding is available in account number 0001-062-2414-8610.
APPROVALS:
The Citizens’ Review Panel for Human Services recommends this provider to receive Citizens Safety Task Force funding to provide these services. The Citizens’ Commission for Children Division concurs with the funding recommendation. Let Your Voice be Heard, Inc. has not previously received funding from the Citizens’ Commission for Children Division
REMARKS:
In accordance with the Code of Ordinances, Part 1, Chapter 17, Article III, Section 17-286 - Application and Exclusions, agreements between the Board and nonprofit organizations are excluded from competitive procurement requirements.
Based on Citizens Safety Task Force recommendations, the Orange County Citizens’ Commission for Children was charged with allocating funding to programs operated by “Credible Messengers” in the target zip codes. Credible Messengers have longstanding trusted relationships with at-promise youth in the target zip codes and a legacy of effectively encouraging and supporting youth on the path to successful adulthood. Credible Messengers are neighborhood leaders, experienced advocates, and individuals with relevant life experiences whose role is to help youth and community members transform attitudes and behaviors around violence. They are able to connect with the most challenging individuals because they come from the same communities; some (but not all) of them are formerly incarcerated or were involved in the justice system and have turned their lives around. They demonstrate integrity and transformation and are skilled and trained in mentoring and offering support and guidance to individuals impacted by violence.
Credible Messenger(s) funded through this Contract have been trained in the Credible Messenger Mentoring Movement model and are nationally certified. Programming will be implemented by Credible Messengers who have established rapport in communities with the highest incidence of violence and are able to approach victims and/or their families immediately following an incident - when they are most likely to be thinking about changing the behaviors/lifestyle that led to the incident, or contemplating retaliation. Crisis response efforts will also include the surrounding communities, and will offer support and connection to resources such as grief and trauma counseling, healthy coping strategies, legal resources, financial and educational support, housing, etc.
Services will be provided throughout Orange County, with priority emphasis in communities impacted by violence.